Podiatry care for
heel pain
Heel pain can make every step uncomfortable.
Whether your pain is worst when you first get
out of bed or develops after long periods on your feet,
heel pain can have a significant impact on your daily life.
Our experienced team can identify the cause and provide
effective treatment to help you walk comfortably again.
expert care. Better outcomes
Did you know?
Heel pain is often at its worst during the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a long period.
Early assessment can identify the underlying cause and help prevent a short-term problem from becoming a long-lasting condition.
Why it
matters
Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we see at Sevenoaks Podiatry. While plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause, other conditions such as bursitis, Achilles tendon problems and poor foot biomechanics can also contribute to ongoing discomfort.
Many people try to ignore heel pain, hoping it will improve on its own. Unfortunately, without appropriate treatment the problem often persists and may begin to affect the way you walk, placing extra strain on your ankles, knees, hips and lower back.
At Sevenoaks Podiatry, we assess your foot function, gait and biomechanics to identify the underlying cause of your heel pain. By treating the source of the problem rather than simply relieving the symptoms, we aim to provide lasting relief and help prevent the pain from returning.
Common causes
Heel pain may be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, bursitis, overuse, poor footwear or abnormal foot biomechanics.
Common symptoms
Pain beneath or behind the heel, discomfort with the first steps of the day, tenderness after standing or walking, and pain during exercise.
Daily impact
Heel pain can make walking, standing, exercising and even getting out of bed uncomfortable, often affecting your mobility and quality of life.
Early treatment
Early treatment can reduce pain, speed recovery and prevent heel pain from becoming a long-term condition.
Supporting your
recovery
Heel pain is often the result of repeated strain on the tissues supporting your foot. While plantar fasciitis is the most common diagnosis, Achilles tendon injuries, bursitis and changes in foot mechanics can all place excessive stress on the heel.
At Sevenoaks Podiatry, we take the time to understand how your feet move and how your walking pattern may be contributing to your symptoms. Our comprehensive assessment allows us to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of your pain.
Treatment may include gait analysis, footwear advice, stretching programmes, orthotic therapy, rehabilitation exercises and practical lifestyle guidance. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore normal movement and help you stay active with confidence.
How we help
Assess
We assess your symptoms, foot posture, walking pattern and lower-limb biomechanics to identify the cause of your heel pain.
Treat
Treatment may include gait analysis, orthotic therapy, stretching exercises, footwear advice and rehabilitation techniques tailored to your individual needs.
Protect
We help reduce strain on the heel by improving foot function, recommending supportive footwear and providing advice to help prevent future flare-ups.
Review
Your progress is reviewed regularly, allowing us to adapt your treatment and support a safe return to everyday activities, work and sport.
Have you got questions about your heel pain?
Call us, we're here to help:
Questions patients
often ask
What is the most common cause of heel pain?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot becomes irritated or overloaded.
Why is heel pain worse first thing in the morning?
This is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia tightens overnight, making the first few steps after getting out of bed particularly painful before gradually loosening.
Can orthotics help heel pain?
Yes. Custom orthoses are often one of the most effective treatments for heel pain caused by poor foot biomechanics or plantar fasciitis, helping to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and support the foot.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to recover?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the condition and how early treatment begins. Many people notice improvement within a few weeks of appropriate treatment, although long-standing cases may take several months to fully settle.
Should I keep walking if I have heel pain?
Gentle activity is often beneficial, but prolonged standing, running or high-impact exercise may aggravate your symptoms. We can advise you on the best approach based on your individual condition.
When should I seek professional advice for heel pain?
If your heel pain lasts for more than a couple of weeks, is getting worse, or is affecting your ability to walk or enjoy everyday activities, it's worth arranging a professional assessment to identify the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.